An Examination of an Isometric Core Rotation Test and its Relationship to Baseball Exit Velocity in Division II Collegiate Players

2025-07-12T02:45:38+00:00

The purpose of this study was to examine an isometric core rotation test and its relationship to baseball exit velocity in Division II collegiate players. This was a replication study based on Spaniol et al. (2010). Data collection involved assessing isometric core rotation force with a digital crane scale, followed by measuring baseball exit velocity with a radar gun. Both assessments were conducted for three trials on the dominant and non-dominant sides, respectively. The reliability of the three test trials for the isometric core rotation and baseball exit velocity tests for the non-dominant and dominant sides were assessed with Cronbach's alpha values. The reliability values were as follows: isometric core rotation test non-dominant side (0.873), isometric core rotation test dominant side (0.955), baseball exit velocity non-dominant side (0.942), and baseball exit velocity dominant side (0.922). Independent t-tests were conducted to assess differences between the dominant and non-dominant sides in isometric mean core rotation force and baseball mean exit velocity, respectively. Pearson correlations were conducted to assess the relationship between the isometric mean core rotation force and the baseball mean exit velocity. The key finding was a significant (p = 0.026) and moderate positive relationship (r = 0.570) between the dominant-side isometric mean core rotation force and the dominant-side baseball mean exit velocity. Additionally, a significant (p = 0.002) and moderate positive relationship (r = 0.733) was found between the non-dominant side isometric mean core rotation force and the dominant side baseball mean exit velocity. The isometric mean core rotation force was not significantly different between the dominant and non-dominant sides (p = 0.86); whereas the baseball mean exit velocity was significantly different between sides (p = 0.0004). Therefore, on the dominant side, players had learned to effectively transfer isometric core rotational force into a dynamic bat swing, as reflected in baseball exit velocity. These findings highlight the importance of isometric core rotation strength in baseball players, due to its moderate relationship with baseball exit velocity. The use of the crane scale, as in this study, represents a reliable, inexpensive, time-efficient, and practical method for monitoring sports-specific core fitness in baseball players.

Facilitators of and Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion among Physical Therapists who Treat Clients with Neurological Conditions: A Qualitative Study Informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework

2025-09-02T15:23:19+00:00

Healthcare provider communications about physical activity (PA) lead to meaningful and sustained increases in PA, but physical therapists (PTs) do not consistently promote PA for clients with neurological conditions (NC). The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand factors that could support implementation strategies related to PTs promoting PA for clients with NC. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to develop a semi-structured interview guide. One-on-one online interviews were conducted in 2022 with 10 physical therapists licensed to practice in the United States whose caseloads include clients with NC. Responses were first sorted into a priori factors derived from previous research (TDF codebook), then reappraised to ensure other factors were not overlooked (inductive analysis). Responses about facilitators corresponded to three factors: Personal (e.g., sense of responsibility, personal connections to community opportunities); Professional (e.g., a specific PT course on PA promotion); and Client-related (e.g., highly motivated). Barriers corresponded to two factors: Professional (e.g., limited continuing education, lack of guidance/communication from PT-associations), and Client-related (e.g., lack of low-cost/free services to offer, provider safety concerns). There are opportunities for PTs to increase PA promotion when treating clients with NC, as outlined in PT education. PTs should also utilize and advocate for community-based partnerships and expand education/resources from PT associations beyond traditional communication channels.

Journal of Kinesiology & Wellness

An Examination of an Isometric Core Rotation Test and its Relationship to Baseball Exit Velocity in Division II Collegiate Players

Facilitators of and Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion among Physical Therapists who Treat Clients with Neurological Conditions: A Qualitative Study Informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework